|| India Correspondent ||
Team India have convincingly won against Australia in the recently-concluded four-match Test series by 2-1. While they faced a humiliating defeat in Adelaide, they bounced back quite well and won the second one before the third one ended in a draw. However, they played against the Aussies without a few of their key players, who had sustained injuries, they had to take a call between their wicketkeepers, Wriddhiman Saha and the youngster Rishabh Pant as well.
However, Pant was chosen ahead of Saha in the final three Tests and he justified his place quite well by taking the team home in the final. He eventually ended the series as India's highest run-getter. But Saha was chosen for the first Test in Adelaide. While Pant's inclusion raised the debate of the rivalry between them, Saha ensured that there is nothing between them.
"You can ask him (Pant), we have a friendly relationship and help each other whoever gets into the XI. Personally, there's no conflict with him," Saha said after returning home after their Test series win in Australia. "I don't see who is No.1 or 2... Team will give a chance to those who do better. I will continue to do my job. Selection is not in my hands, it's up to the management."
"No one learns algebra in class I. You always go step by step. He is giving his best and will definitely improve. He has matured and proved himself. In the long run, it augurs well for the Indian team. The way he has shown his intent after being sidelined from his favourite T20 and ODI formats was really exceptional," he again shared.
However, Wriddhiman Saha further revealed the reason why Pant was preferred over him. He said that it was his poor form with the bat in the first Test that led him out f the squad in the rest of the Tests.
"I was unable to score runs that's why Pant got the chance. It's as simple as that. I always focused on improving my skills...It's the same approach now," he concluded.
Team India will next take on against England at home.